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Alert as flooding risk increases Residents seek refuge from floods
(about 1 hour later)
Severe weather warnings have been issued in Cumbria as people brace themselves for flooding, with 200mm (7.9in) of rain possible in areas. Flooding has hit parts of Cumbria as the county battles severe weather conditions, with 200mm (8in) of rain predicted for some areas.
Thirteen flood warnings are in place at Keswick, Cockermouth, Kendal, Egremont, Eamont Bridge, and Burneside. Nineteen flood warnings are in place at Keswick, Cockermouth, Kendal, Egremont, Eamont Bridge, and Burneside.
Nineteen schools have been closed across the county and a nursing home evacuated due to the flood threat. More than 20 schools have been closed across the county and a nursing home in Keswick was evacuated as a precaution.
The Met Office issued the weather alerts following forecasts of strong winds which are also expected. Rescue centres have been set up in Keswick and Cockermouth as river levels continue to rise.
The worst hit areas overnight were the village of Shap, which experienced 40mm (1.6in) of rainfall in 12 hours, and Keswick, which witnessed 30mm (1.2in). Up to 40 residents in the Waterloo Street and Gote Street areas of Cockermouth sought refuge in an evacuation centre as water up to three feet (one metre) deep entered properties.
Craig Cowperthwaite, of the Environment Agency, said persistent downpours on Thursday would add to ground saturated by overnight rain. The Environment Agency said the rivers Cocker and Derwent have burst their banks.
Cut off
More than 20 riverside properties in Kendal were evacuated, includes a residential care centre.
Allerdale County Council said it had received more than 100 requests for sandbags in Keswick and Cockermouth, causing the supply to run out.
The River Kent at Burneside burst its banks early on Thursday, with the village now virtually cut off, with residents reporting cars covered by floodwaters.
Residents and businesses in Carlisle, which was hit by devastating floods in 2005, have also been bracing themselves for flooding.
Defences installed after the 2005 floods are expected to offer protection to more than 2,500 properties in the city.
Environment Agency and local authority staff worked throughout the night to erect temporary defences for an extra 400 properties.
Exposed fells
Agency spokesman Craig Cowperthwaite said persistent downpours on Thursday would add to ground saturated by overnight rain.
He said: "The rivers nearest the fells will rise this morning, but for the likes of Carlisle it will be afternoon before it gets to high levels.He said: "The rivers nearest the fells will rise this morning, but for the likes of Carlisle it will be afternoon before it gets to high levels.
Properties flooded
"People need to be vigilant all day and look out for flooding on roads when they are out and about in the county.""People need to be vigilant all day and look out for flooding on roads when they are out and about in the county."
Cumbria County Council has moved all residents at Ravensfield Residential Home on High Hill in Keswick to safety because of the threat of flooding. Early on Thursday Cumbria County Council moved all residents at Ravensfield Residential Home on High Hill in Keswick to safety because of the threat of flooding.
The Environment Agency has received reports of six properties being flooded throughout the county. The Met Office said between 50mm and 70mm (2-2.75ins) of rain could fall in widespread parts of the county before 0600 GMT on Friday, with the possibility of 200mm (8ins) across the most exposed fells.
The Met Office said between 50mm and 70mm of rain could fall in widespread parts of the county before 0600 GMT on Friday, with the possibility of 200mm across the most exposed fells.
Fourteen flood watches, the least serious of the Environment Agency's alerts, have also been placed throughout the county.Fourteen flood watches, the least serious of the Environment Agency's alerts, have also been placed throughout the county.
Cumbria Police said on Wednesday night there was a large flood on the A69 at Warwick Bridge, in Carlisle, which was approximately 70 yards (64m) long, but that the road was passable with care.
Are you in one of the areas on flood alert? What are conditions like where you live? Send us your comments and pictures.Are you in one of the areas on flood alert? What are conditions like where you live? Send us your comments and pictures.
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